Thursday, April 26, 2012

Show & Tell -- My Vintage Bar Cart



I found this vintage bar cart at an estate sale a couple months ago. 
It was tucked in a corner buried behind buckets and bottles of cleaning supplies 
and it was really grungy. 



I wasn't sure what I would do with it, but it was only $20. 
I knew I could come up with some use for it -- like maybe a rolling lemonade stand.

I scrubbed it down and busted out a can of spray paint.  
Honestly, the only reason I went with gold is that I wanted to get rid of the can of paint. 
Just killing two birds with one stone and being thrifty :)  
(the lighting is terrible for photography in here)

Once I got it in the house, I realized it's just the thing I've been looking for in my laundry room.  I've been struggling to find the right thing to hold laundry baskets and detergents in this narrow space. This is great because it rolls out. 



I can let sweaters dry flat on top



But wait! That's not all 

I'll also be able to pull it out and use it as a mobile lemonade stand for Drew




 And let's not forget the intended purpose--it's great for parties


who knows what other uses I'll come up with?  
It's a very useful little cart, and $20 well spent.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Yes, I am small potatoes


I'm now twice nominated for the Liebster blog award.



The Liebster award is given to (and from) smaller bloggers, less than 200 followers. It is a way to spread the word and recognize us little guys.

The first time I was nominated was in the midst of my giveaway and in the euphoria of getting so many comments I lost track and never followed up.  So first up, Thank you to Kerry of Design du Monde. Kerry is an artist and mom and blogs about her days.  Her first language is actually french. Check her out. 

The next nomination came from Brandy of Chateau a Gogo. Brandy is not french, but her blog sounds french.  She is just starting a new design career and blog.  Brandy's blog has 56 followers at the time of this post. She gives a gift to every 20th follower. I'm not good at math, but according to my calculations if four of my readers head over and start to follow her, one of you will be the lucky recipient of something.  (not sure what, but it's a gift people).

Thank you both, Kerry and Brandy for the nominations. I think this is a great idea to promote us small potatoes and I'm trying to see this like the compliment you get when you're dieting-- you want people to say you look so small. I'm two years into this blogging thing, and was hoping no one noticed I don't have a big following. I keep telling myself size doesn't matter.  

So, as the proud recipient of this Liebster award for being small (yes, I have lost weight, thank you for noticing) . I will pass it on to some other bloggers that I really like (and follow). They are all very different genres and are better than their numbers might imply. (I'm breaking the rules too because a couple of them are just over 200) Try them, you'll like them!



 The terms for accepting this award are as follows:
    1. Choose five up-and-coming blogs to award the Liebster to. These five blogs must have fewer than 200 followers.
    2. Show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them.
    3. Post the award on your blog. 
    4. List the bloggers you gave the award to with links to their sites. Leave comments on their blogs so they know about the award.

    Tuesday, April 24, 2012

    Two Steps Forward One Step Back

    Remember last week when I said I was purging. 
    Getting rid of things I don't use or love. 
    I made really good progress. And I'm not done yet - really. 

    But I saw these plates at the thrift store and started thinking of 
    how pretty the table would look with the pink, green and gold. 

    So I bought them.  

    And so far, I don't regret it. 


    Monday, April 16, 2012

    The Purge of 2012



    I'm making my way through Monkey Grass Hill, purging all things I don't love or use. Last week I chipped away at my shed one day --my curb looked like Sanford and Son's yard. Everything was gone within a few hours though. Next up was my closet. If you're looking for cashmere sweaters, you better start shopping wherever Purple Heart is selling stuff. They picked up about six bags of clothes.  

    I don't need this stuff


    It's so satisfying to get rid of things. There's something to be said for empty space.

    This week I'm chipping away at my office/studio. I need to make room for more inventory. I'm sorry, but my jewelry is too good to leave at the curb or in a bag for a donation pick up. 
    But I will be practically giving it away!


    This Friday, April 20th I'm having a jewelry clearance sale at my house.   
    Everything will be PRICED TO SELL. 
     I think I'll also try out something new. I'll have my stones, clasps and vintage brooches out, so if anyone wants to try their hand at designing a custom piece you can pick your materials and place an order.  

    If you're local e-mail me for an address or more information.

    The cute little invitation was made using an  i phone App called Post.   









    Wednesday, April 4, 2012

    Today in the Garden

    Everyday I'm amazed how much growing and blooming happens this time of year.
    Fern

    old fashioned money plant

    Virginia Bluebell

    Azaleas of every color


    Forget Me Nots and Daffodils

    Tulips (I planted these the week before Christmas)

    Vinca





    Virginia Redbud

    I could just stare out into my garden for hours. 
    And I do :)





    Sunday, April 1, 2012

    Another Day In our Nation's Capital

    This weekend we packed a picnic and had lunch on the National Mall 
    and participated in the annual kite festival.  As usual we got there early.

    By the time we were ready to leave things were really picking up.
    See all those specs? They're kites.

     I'm not sure who enjoys kite flying more. Matt or Drew...


    We chatted with the mounted police for a minute.
    (This sweet (huge) horse turned and put his head on my shoulder as we posed for our photo)


    Ahhhh, Spring AND kites are in the air.